A well-tuned guitar is a joy to play, but even the most finely-tuned strings can fall out of balance over time. Intonation, the accuracy of the pitch of each fretted note, is crucial to maintaining a harmonious instrument. If your guitar’s intonation is off, chords may sound out of tune, and melodies may lack clarity. In this article, we will guide you through the process of setting the intonation on your guitar, ensuring that your instrument is in tune up and down the fretboard.
What Is Intonation?
Intonation refers to the accuracy of the pitch of each fretted note along the length of the guitar neck. When a guitar is properly intonated, playing a note on one fret should yield the same pitch as playing the same note when it’s open (unfretted). When intonation is off, the guitar may sound sharp (notes too high in pitch) or flat (notes too low in pitch) as you move up the fretboard.
Tools You Will Need:
Before you begin, gather the following tools:
- Tuner: A chromatic tuner is essential for precise tuning.
- Screwdriver: To adjust the saddle position.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver: For guitars with screws on the saddle.
- Capo: Useful for holding down strings while making adjustments.
Setting the Intonation: Step by Step
Follow these steps to set the intonation on your guitar:
- Tune Your Guitar: Start by tuning your guitar to pitch using an electronic tuner. Ensure that all open strings are in tune.
- Check the 12th Fret: Play the harmonic at the 12th fret (lightly touch the string directly above the 12th fret and pluck it without pressing down on the fret). Compare the pitch with the open string. They should be identical. If not, proceed to the next step.
- Adjust the Saddle Position: To fix intonation, you need to adjust the saddle position for each string. On most electric and acoustic guitars, each saddle has a small screw that allows you to move it back and forth.
- If the 12th fret note is flat (lower in pitch) compared to the open string, you need to move the saddle closer to the neck (forward).
- If the 12th fret note is sharp (higher in pitch), move the saddle away from the neck (backward).
- Retune and Recheck: After adjusting the saddle, retune the string to pitch and then recheck the 12th fret harmonic. Continue making small adjustments until the 12th fret note matches the open string.
- Repeat the Process: Repeat the above steps for each string on your guitar. Remember to adjust one string at a time and always check the intonation by playing the harmonic at the 12th fret.
- Fine-Tuning: Once you’ve adjusted the intonation for all strings, play various notes and chords up and down the neck to ensure that your guitar sounds in tune across the fretboard.
Additional Tips:
- Use a capo to hold down the strings while making adjustments to prevent them from moving.
- Make small adjustments to the saddle position; overcorrection can lead to poor intonation in the opposite direction.
- Intonation can be affected by changes in string gauge or brand, so be prepared to make adjustments if you change your strings.
Conclusion: Harmonious Playing Awaits
Setting the intonation on your guitar may seem like a meticulous process, but it’s essential for ensuring that your instrument plays in tune across the entire fretboard. A properly intonated guitar not only sounds better but also makes playing more enjoyable and precise. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can fine-tune your guitar’s intonation and unlock its full potential for harmonious music-making.
